The CDC recommends domestic and international travelers get a viral test one to three days before departure and three to five days after travel. Amtrak says it has taken additional steps to ensure cleanliness and safety for those traveling during the coronavirus pandemic. Passengers who want quiet choose the quiet car. We reached my room and I was immediately impressed. That answer wasnt correct either. . We have studied, analyzed, and made improvements to the Amtrak travel experience from beginning to end, focusing on the safety and health of our people and travelers.". Heres more on Amtraks latest policies and practices. Passwords are case sensitive. Photo Disclaimer: Some imagery shown throughout our website does not represent current operational and safety guidelines. But I reminded myself that I was booked in one of Amtraks private bedrooms, a space where Id have my own sitting area, en suite bathroom with a toilet and shower, a sink, and, when I was ready to call it a night, a bed. Get a FREE subscription to AARP The Magazine. And while safety and sanitization were largely prioritized no matter which train I rode, the experience wasnt uniform. . The Best Train Trips to Take Across America . Amtrak says the reductions should have minimal impact because ridership remains down by 25 percent, and the schedule changes coincide with a slower travel season. The real problem occurred when we were boarding the train. This expansion also marks the first time customers can reserve a seat in the Quiet Car. At the time, it also limited bookings, switched to cashless onboard payments, and promoted physical distancing on trains. One such innovation is the expansion of reserved seating on Acela trains. Get flash sales, Amtrak Guest Rewards promotions and account updates sent directly to your inbox. Rapid hospital readiness checklist: Interim Guidance Harmonized health service capacity assessment in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic Harmonized health service capacity assessment in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic Global Regions WHO Regional websites Africa Americas South-East Asia Europe Eastern Mediterranean Western Pacific Check-in early to arrange for pre-boarding if you need extra time or assistance. Is driving still safer than flying if youre vaccinated? J. CDC, Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in . National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? ! " We will send password reset instructions. Seamless gate service: To reduce crowds at departure boards, Amtrak app users automatically receive boarding gate and track information via push notification at select stations. For More Information Jason Abrams MediaRelations@Amtrak.com Amtrak Contact 202 906.3860 About Amtrak Since COVID-19 disrupted much of the world in March, Railway Age has followed developments, documenting transit's decline in the spring and its slow recovery in October. Many countries require specific inoculations to visit; the coronavirus vaccine is just another one to add to the list. Enter a valid Guest Rewards number or email address. Wear shoes at all times and use caution when wearing shoes without rubber soles. But if youre returning to the United States from an international trip, you have to provide a negative test result or documentation of recovery regardless of your vaccination or antibody status. ! " On pure reflex, I shot to the window to watch as we rode over the Willamette River. and The journey was smooth, . I observed room attendants entering the private rooms of passengers who were not wearing masks. By combining our safety efforts with the guidance of our medical director and partnership with George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, we want our customers to have a renewed sense of confidence. I was excited. By Mary Forgione. Read More: I flew Delta for the first time since it stopped blocking middle seats and found cracks showing in its mask enforcement here's what it was like, Read More: I rode Amtrak up and down the Northeast Corridor during the pandemic and found it surprisingly clean, cheap, and stress-free here's what it was like, Read More: Amtrak relaunches USA Rail Pass, a ticket that lets you travel the country for 30 days for $299, Read More: New York just debuted a $1.6 billion train hall to upgrade its notorious Penn Station, complete with skylight ceilings and a premium lounge see inside, I flew Delta for the first time since it stopped blocking middle seats and found cracks showing in its mask enforcement here's what it was like, I rode Amtrak up and down the Northeast Corridor during the pandemic and found it surprisingly clean, cheap, and stress-free here's what it was like, Amtrak relaunches USA Rail Pass, a ticket that lets you travel the country for 30 days for $299, New York just debuted a $1.6 billion train hall to upgrade its notorious Penn Station, complete with skylight ceilings and a premium lounge see inside. Make sure you still have pandemic essentials. Due to COVID relief funding, Amtrak will sustain and restore operations and recall the more than 1,200 furloughed employees through the remainder of FY21 and into FY22. Check where you can go and what you can do there, 3. As I approached the platform outside the sleeping car, I flashed my paperwork to a welcoming employee who managed to flash back a big smile, even with her face hidden behind a mask. Seats are auto assigned on trains with the reserved seating option; however, they can be changed using an interactive diagram on Amtrak.com or the Amtrak app. Amtrak estimates that 97.3% of its workforce has at least one dose of a COVID vaccine and 95.7% is fully vaccinated, leaving fewer than 500 active employees who have not complied with the vaccine . Use seat backs and handrails while walking through the train. Don't forget to share your train travel experience with us after your trip. When we venture out again, travel will not look the same as it did in 2019. Although its already twice the size of a roomette, the bedroom cabins are much more spacious than they appear online. Pack or ship your luggage according to our baggage guidelines and make the most of our service. As the sun set on my first day, I was ready to call it a night. Overall, it has reduced service by 8 percent, including on its busy Northeast Regional service (from Boston to Virginia). If your trip involves travel across the US-Canadian border on a train or Thruway bus, review our border crossing information. I felt pretty confident that Amtrak was on top of their pandemic protocols, a collection of new and enhanced cleaning and health safety measures that they developed with their full-time medical and health safety team who has experience on the frontlines of COVID-19. Javascript must be enabled to use this site. After a year of bad news, travelers finally have something to look forward to again. Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: + Employees are also required to wear masks at all times, unless in their private rooms. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. Amtrak began selling all seats on its trains in May after limiting capacity at half for most of the pandemic. Passwords are case sensitive, should be at least 10 characters long and should include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. So far on the journey, Id soaked in the wooded landscape of the Pacific Northwest, gluing myself to the window as we snaked through trees already painted with golden yellows, bright oranges, and fiery reds. Weve also focused on making the experience touch free, including contactless boarding, scanning tickets directly from the Amtrak app and the installation of new Amtrak kiosks throughout the country. And at any given meal time, I found that only three out of five tables were ever occupied. Please be prepared to show valid photo identification to a member of the onboard crew upon request. The policy change comes a day after Tampa's U.S. District Court Judge Kathryn Kimball. Leave personal food items and baggage at your seat. Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst at Atmosphere Research Group, says travelers should check with their insurance company (if you have insurance) to find out what will be covered by their policy, then supplement what is missing through travel insurance. Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term -43% off the standard annual rate, Access exclusive discounts, programs, & services, Double down with a FREE second membership. Get flash sales, Amtrak Guest Rewards promotions and account updates sent directly to your inbox. Amtrak is no longer limiting capacity. For passengers in private cabins, formal traditional dining with chef-prepared meals has returned to most long-distance trains. Do bivalent boosters work against XBB.1.5? Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. I also realized that absolutely none of the windows on the train were open, and frequent reminders over the intercom made it clear that passengers were not to attempt to open them. An email with password reset instructions is on the way. Passengers must remain masked unless in a private room (available on long-distance routes) or actively eating or drinking while maintaining appropriate distance from other passengers. At first, the feeling was confusing and almost unrecognizable, but then it hit me: For the first time in seven months, I wasnt just going somewhere I was traveling. Safety features still include mandatory mask-wearing, plexiglass partitions at ticket counters, and hand sanitizer dispensers in stations. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. and Id spent the day watching the outside world flicker by like a silent film, a few minutes at a time. Check where you can go and what you can do there Before you lock in a plane. For the foreseeable future, we will still be following coronavirus precautions and restrictions. And be sure to contact your particular airline about any changes in travel rules, including: Current mask policies for kids and adults (throughout check-in, boarding and the flight itself) Traveling with infants on your lap Changes in meal service Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website.. An email with password reset instructions is on the way. Dont laminate the original, as you may need to document future booster shots on it. # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . But it has made it easier to determine if youll find the train crowded once youre aboard. While the view itself wasnt breathtaking, I found myself holding my breath. They even had a decent selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Amtrak will reduce its service between Friday and Jan. 6 as it grapples with a rising number of COVID-19 cases among workers and poor weather conditions, according to The Washington Post.Among the affected routes include four trains between Washington and Springfield, Mass., overnight trains between Newport News, Va. and Boston and several trains between New York and New Orleans, among others . Editor's note: This article was originally published on June 9, 2020. _ @ " $ # ,). Passwords are case sensitive. Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. Its really understanding where am I going, what do I want to get out of this trip and what will be the expectations for me? says Elizabeth Blount McCormick, the president of international travel management company Uniglobe Travel Designers. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply. 2021 may be the Year of the Road Trip. National Railroad Passenger Corporation, https://www.amtrak.com/content/amtrak/en-us/planning-booking/planning-booking-tips/riding-on-amtrak-train-for-the-first-time. Somewhere after Santa Barbara, golden hour set in, and the tracks brought us nearly to the edge of cliffs running along the Pacific Ocean. Officials are still not recommending travel for everyone due to the rising number of cases in the United States and globally. Thanksgiving travelers who plan to ride the train between Nov. 23 and Nov. 30 need to reserve . While many parts of my experience failed to meet my expectations, there were others that exceeded them. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. For the safety and comfort of our passengers we strictly enforce certain baggage restrictions. Sleepy small towns and vast stretches of farmland also whizzed by outside, blurring into one another and introducing stories and characters that existed only for seconds. Presidents gain too much power when emergencies like covid hit, The Checkup With Dr. Wen: Three important studies shed light on long covid, We are not overcounting covid deaths in the United States, China, speeding through phases of covid, gets on with living with virus, FDA advisers favor retiring original covid shot and using newer version. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. Add an ID tag to all your bags. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. TSA Will Not Enforce COVID Mask Mandate on Planes, Public Transit After Judge's Ruling, U.S. Airlines Quick to Drop Mask Mandate After Federal Court Ruling, These Are the U.S. It depends. Virginia native Larry Bleiberg is president of the Society of American Travel Writers, a frequent contributor to BBC Travel and the creator of CivilRightsTravel.com. Passwords are case sensitive. Tickets Charge your electronic devices and get them ready to show your eTicket to the conductor or station personnel. Topline. Passwords are case sensitive. Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? "Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so.". The CDC name and logo may not be utilized if the tool is recreated for use by an external entity. Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so. A fare difference may apply to your new itinerary. That answer wasnt correct either. And again, plan to arrivewearing a mask: Passengers are required to wear facial coverings both at the station and onboard unless they are in a private room with the door closed or actively eating and drinking while maintaining distance from others. ! " Oops, that answer wasn't quite right. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. After taking Amtrak's Coast Starlight train from Portland to Los Angeles during the pandemic, one traveler shares her experience of the 30-hour journey. _ @ " $ # ,). Download the Amtrak app to check train status, get gate and track information at select stations, travel with contact-free eTicket scanning and access helpful information at your fingertips. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. These include things like cleaning every seat, private room, baggage rack, bathroom, button, caf car, dining car, and other publicly shared spaces with an EPA-registered disinfectant before the train leaves not to mention continuing to spray and wipe down all major touchpoints, including bathrooms, every couple of hours. National Railroad Passenger Corporation, https://www.amtrak.com/content/amtrak/en-us/planning-booking/policies/coronavirus. When searching for travel, customers will see the percentage of seats sold next to each route as customers make reservations. By clicking Join, you acknowledge you have read and agree to the program terms, including the binding arbitration agreement, in the Curious what the rest of the train looked like, I put my mask back on and ventured out into the wild, opening the doors between cars by using the trains hands-free, foot-level release button. While Amtrak passengers and employees are no longer required to wear masks while on board trains or in stations, masks are welcome and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19. Every other table had a sign on it, instructing passengers to leave the booth empty in order to maintain social distancing. and Customers can make reservations for set mealtimes in the dining car, or they can chose complimentary room service in their private cabin. Travel tips you can trust. Though it was a shared space . Everything Id read so far about riding Amtrak in the time of COVID-19 seemed to rank long-distance train travel as safe, smart, and dare I say even relaxing. Please enable JavaScript on your browser and try again. Amtrak has undertaken heightened security measures for the benefit of our customers. These 4 basic steps will help you prep for COVID-19, plus feel informed, forearmed, and less anxious. Amtrak has implemented many other innovations in part due to the pandemic, including gate & track push notifications sent to mobile devices and digital wallet payments made with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. Amtrak encourages boarding with eTickets, which conductors scan from the Amtrak app. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. COVID-19 Download COVID19 screenings Download the COVID19 school and child care screening to use offline and in other languages. Per new CDC guidance, fully vaccinated domestic travelers (who have had their final shot for at least two weeks) do not need to get a coronavirus test before or after trips, and they do not need to self-quarantine after travel. Making Reservations for Passengers with a Disability, Meal Service for Passengers with a Disability, Mechanical Bulletins for Private Rail Cars. "I enjoyed the privacy and comfort of the Viewliner Roomette sleeper car and felt Amtrak delivered on promises for strong COVID-19 policies. again. | Layovers, Road trips: Tips | Rental cars | Best snacks | Long-haul trains | Rest stops | Cross-country drive, Destinations: Hawaii | Private islands | Australia | Mexico | Alaska | Puerto Rico. Please enter a valid station, city, or address. As I set my things down, the train rolled into motion. That answer wasnt correct either. COVID-19 has fast-tracked many innovations already in the works. Be sure to step over the gap between the train and platform. By the time I reached the dining car, I was relieved to see that Sandy, the dining room attendant, was masked and wiping down tables. There was also a metal utility sink, molded plastic wall, and an airplane-sized bathroom with a handheld shower nozzle over the toilet. Passwords are case sensitive. GET THE APP Amtrak RideReserve for Multi-Ride Passes Bad weather and employee COVID-19 cases led Amtrak to reduce its trains' schedule between New Year's Eve and Jan. 6. . Something to consider when weighing the pros and cons of booking a private room they all come with free meals, including select soft drinks and your first alcoholic drink, plus you have the option of eating off the dining car menu or going with something more casual in the caf car. Refusing to wear a mask may lead to fines, denied boarding, being removed from the train and being barred from future travel. As a result,. By clicking Join, you acknowledge you have read and agree to the program terms, including the binding arbitration agreement, in the terms and conditions Stand back from the edge of the platform. Weve been working diligently to enhance our safety protocols, including partnering with Lysol to reinforce disinfection protocols, utilizing EPA-registered cleaning products and enhancing cleaning on commonly used surfaces. Pre-Departure Checklist As you prepare for your great rail adventure, don't forget: Identification Photo ID, passport or other accepted travel documents. Review the policy for unaccompanied minors. Amtrak is extending all elite tiers Select, Select Plus and Select Executive until February 28, 2022, a full year beyond the normal expiration. Anyone who has a trip canceled due to the service cuts will be notified and offered alternative travel plans. The removal of somerestrictions on Multi-Ride ticketson the Northeast Corridor is extended through April 30, 2022. Riding Amtrak for the first time? App users will also receive boarding gate and track information at select stations so they can head directly to their train. The number adjusts as additional seats are sold, which gives passengers the chance to switch to a train that is less crowded without a fee, although a fare difference may apply. If you or a loved one are experiencing anxiety related to the coronavirus pandemic, help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Passengers purchasing tickets onboard trains from conductors must provide photo identification and be at least 16 years old. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try Oops, that answer wasn't quite right. This tool was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for use by CDC. March 15, 20213:28 PM. I also bring my own pillow. Please enter a password. To prepare for your post-vaccination travels, we compiled this checklist to help you get squared away before you go. We will send password reset instructions. For the most part, it seemed the protocols were being adhered to, but when staff seemed more lax about sanitizing and enforcing mask policy, passengers used that opportunity to be less safe themselves.. If you want to change your reservation, Amtrakis waiving all change fees for bookings made by April 30, 2022. Amtrak has temporarily dropped its mandate for all employees to be vaccinated against Covid-19, a requirement that the rail service had said would likely result in cuts to service. There are many ways your actions can help protect you, your household, and your community from severe illness from COVID-19. Review restriction information by looking up your destinations local government websites. fully vaccinated people can travel again. Her pieces on science, art and culture have appeared inThe Atlantic, where she was previously an editorial fellow,Californiamagazine and elsewhere. Blame the coronavirus pandemic, the railroad says. Update: Amtrak in the Age of COVID-19. Linda and her boisterous charm bid me adieu, promising to return to show me around my new digs after she was able to meet, greet, and guide her other sleeping car passengers to their rooms. The only reason I needed to leave my roomette was to use the restroom, a regularly cleaned compartment about the size of an airplane bathroom at the end of the hall. Before their trips, passengers are encouraged to download theAmtrak app, which allows you to scan an e-ticket to board and receive gate and track information on your device at certain stations eliminating the need to crowd around departure boards. (For a low-key getaway nearby when there is less money on the line, travel insurance might not be warranted.). Oh, look at that! Her voice sounded like she had just won the lottery. Ridership is still down leaving inter-city trains with scores of open seats from which to choose. The affected trains include the Southwest Chief (Chicago-Los Angeles), Coast Starlight (Los Angeles-Seattle), California Zephyr (Chicago-San Francisco), Empire Builder (Chicago-Seattle or Portland, Ore.), Crescent (New York-New Orleans), Texas Eagle (Chicago-San Antonio), Capitol Limited (Washington, D.C.-Chicago), Lake Shore Limited (New York-Chicago) and City of New Orleans (Chicago-New Orleans.). The CDC director answered your questions. I noticed signage stating that passengers and staff must wear masks at all times unless in the privacy of their own rooms had replaced Amtrak promotional posters on the walls. Dec. 14, 2021 5:46 pm ET. It's been updated to reflect recent Amtrak procedures. In my pre-pandemic life, I traveled for work two to three times a month a far cry from the one-mile radius I had confined myself to in Brooklyn between March and August. CDC's COVID-19 Community Levels provide information about the amount of severe illness in the community where you are located to help you decide when to take action to protect yourself and . (Riders can still use the Silver Star or Palmetto routes to reach destinations served by the Silver Meteor. Amtrak is ending daily service to hundreds of stations. With that funding, Amtrak which is publicly funded and privately operated said Wednesday that it would be able to execute on many of those goals, including improving Northeast Corridor trip. That answer wasnt correct either. Instead of eating in the dining car, I took advantage of Amtraks new room service option and had all my meals delivered right to my room at a time of my choosing. Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. This is how to plan a good one. Vaccine passports may be as essential as a photo ID. Amtrak has required its customers and workers to wear masks since May of 2020. Let's try a different question. After locking the door behind me and closing the privacy curtain, I immediately took out my tub of Clorox wipes. @Amtrak and @SharonDevol It looks like the COVID check form is having problems on your website, as it continuously says it is having trouble finding our reservation, and your main 1-800 number is giving a busy signal every time I try to call today. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. By signing in to your account you acknowledge you have read and agree to the updated terms and conditions, including the binding arbitration agreement.